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- 1). Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle history you want to review. The VIN is located on the title or on an insurance card, but you should verify accuracy by physically checking the car's VIN.
- 2). Look through the windshield on the driver's side from the outside of the car by the top of the dashboard to view the VIN plate. If you cannot find it there (some might be slightly out of view), check the driver's door jam or in the trunk next to the spare tire. Write the VIN number down to use for your history search.
- 3). Go to a vehicle history report website--CARFAX and AutoCheck are widely used by consumers and dealers. Check prices before you proceed. One might offer cheaper prices for single reports or a reduced pricing for multiple reports. Input the VIN number in the space provided and click the button below to search or run the report.
- 4). Choose the report (or package) you want and input your payment information. Proceed to check and view your report, which you can print or read from the webpage.
- 5). Review the main page to immediately determine the overall report, such as warnings, accidents or number of owners. Read through the pages provided to find information on reported maintenance, major repairs (if fixed at a dealership) and accident dates. You can review accident information and investigate further if you need to--the accident portion offers a police report number, date and small explanation of the damage.
- 6). Ask any questions about the car if necessary. Ask the seller to explain any items on the report that are cause for concern, such as theft, odometer rollbacks or a recently failed emissions test.
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